From Wikitravel

Contents

Jasper National Park[1] is
in the Alberta
Rockies region of Alberta, Canada. It has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park is the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain Parks, spanning
10,878 square kilometres (4200 square miles) of broad valleys,
rugged mountains, glaciers, forests, alpine meadows and wild rivers
along the eastern slopes of the Rockies in western Alberta. There
are more than 1200 kilometres (660 miles) of hiking trails (both
overnight and day trips), and a number of spectacular mountain
drives.

Stunning scenery in Jasper National Park

Understand

History

During the winter, when energy is at a premium and food is more
difficult to acquire, caribou need our consideration! Avoid skiing
or traveling through areas where you have observed caribou or fresh
sign of caribou.

Small numbers of caribou winter along Highway 93. Watch for
roadside signs and slow down.

• Give them space. If you see caribou do not approach, observe
them and move on. • Report observations to park staff. Include
information on the number of animals observed, time, date,
location, snow depth and condition and how the animals responded. •
Leave your dog at home when you go into caribou country. • Don't
follow caribou tracks. • Take photos only from a distance.

Flora and fauna

Jasper National Park protects over 10,800 square kilometres of
the Rocky Mountain ecosystem which includes a diversity of
wildlife,frogs, plants, rivers, lakes, glaciers, turtles and
magnificent mountains.

Climate

Jasper is the largest and most northerly Canadian rocky mountain
national park, part of a spectacular World Heritage Site. Comprised
of delicate and carefully protected ecosystems, Jasper's scenery is
non-the-less rugged and mountainous. In this special corner of
Canada you can thrill to the thunder of Sunwapta Falls, enjoy the
serene beauty of Mount Edith Cavell, connect with nature along
1,000-plus kilometres of trails, experience Athabasca Glacier up
close or just resign yourself to a relaxing soak in Miette Hot
Springs.

Map of Jasper National Park

Car

Highway 16 (Yellowhead) bisects the park east-west. Hinton is 69 kilometers and Edmonton is 350 kilometers to
the east. Valemount is 110 kilometers to the west. The only other
way into the park is from Lake Louise in the south via the Icefields
Parkway.

Sleep

Maligne Canyon Hostel, +1 780
852-3215. South-east of Jasper on Maligne Lake Road
[2]. This is a rustic hostel nestled next to the beautiful
Maligne Canyon. There is no running water or electricity. $15
HI members, $20 non-members.

Athabasca Falls Hostel, +1 780
852-3215. 30km south of Jasper on the Icefields
Parkway
[3]. Another rustic hostel with no running water, there is
power however. Located near the spectacular Athabasca Falls.
$15 HI members, $20 non-members.

Beauty Creek Hostel, +1 780 852-3215.
86km south of Jasper on the Icefields Parkway
[4]. This is another rustic hostel. Award winning, and world
famous for service and the pancake breakfast. Very close to the Columbia
Icefield. $15 HI members, $20 non-members.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, +1 780
852-3301. [5]Follow
the signs on Highway 16. Turn left (if coming from the east) or
right (if coming from the west) onto the black steel bridge over
Athabasca River and follow the road. This is the only full
service hotel outside of Jasper Township. Has a world-class golf
course on site, also a world-class restaurant. Expect to pay
world-class prices.

Camping

There are 10 designated camping sites throughout the park. There
is an interactive map
[6] available online with information and fees. It is illegal
to camp outside of designated areas without a special backcountry
pass.

Whistlers, 3.5km south of Jasper.

Wapiti, 5.4km south of Jasper. This is the
only campground open in winter.